To Know

Were we to truly grasp the spiritual consequence of our actions, would we be more or less likely to bend to the worst of our wills?

Were we to truly grasp the spiritual consequence of our actions, would we be more or less likely to bend to the worst of our wills? Teresa of Avila was granted a vision of how sin blackens the soul, and was convinced that should the rest of us have seen it, would resolve to sin no more, as we always do after making our confession, despite our fallen nature and predilection to spiritual suicide of one sort or another. Would most of us become crippled and nihilistic in response to the terrifying truth, abandoning the graces and mercies of God’s love, of Christ’s sacrifice? Would we reject it from a false humility and comforting futility, knowing that we could never merit such a wondrous, forgiving, sanctifying love? 

We needn’t wonder, really. We know, in silence and prayer, should we seek it, the truth of our folly, our sin, and when we manage it, our virtue. If we can turn off the noise, the distraction, the demands of our tools and toys, we can know and see how in every moment, every choice, we edge closer to the cross, or back away from it in revulsion and shame. There is nothing in between.